Buying a new hybrid. need a good recommendation from the following choices
 

Hey, I am currently looking for a new hybrid bicycle. My current bike is a very old Trek mountain bike, but this is actually the first time that I am going to select and buy a bike for myself. Currently, most of my biking consists of 10-15 mile rides on light dirt trails with a little pavement in between, though in a few months I will be going back to college, and I have been frustrated with the slow speeds of my old mountain bike, so I figured a hybrid would be the best way to go.

My budget is technically not limited, but I don't want to spend what is beyond necessary. Based on what my local bike stores are offering, I have narrowed down my choices to the Trek 7000 series (7000, 7100, or 7300) and the Cannondale Adventure 5.

As far as priority goes, I am looking for decent speed, but I also want to be able to do light trail and occasional uphill riding. But again, I don't want to spend what is beyond necessary.

Why not the FX series for the Trek?

Have you considered a cyclocross bike like the Surly Cross-Check, Kona Jake or Specialized Tricross-to name just a few? (Are flat bars a must?)

Trek hybrids are FX 7.0 etc, etc. I bought a new FX7.3 hybrid in Early May. Have put over 900 miles on it and love it. My problem is I have spent more on gear:lights/clothes/helmets/gloves/more clothes, etc. than I did on the bike. I won't even tell you what I spent on lights. Anyways, I don't think you could go wrong with aTrek hybrid. Let us know what you decide.

you purchased it last month?

Also consider the Specialized Crosstrail.

How about a flat bar road bike like the Specialized Sirrus, and just switch the rims to tougher cyclocross rims to stand up better to the offroad parts.

Would a guy who has kept track of his running miles over the last 34 yrs (71,812 miles) fudge a number? No way. Bought bike on 5/5/10. As of this morning's 27 mile ride My odo reads 989 miles. 211 miles ridden week last week. It is truly great to be healthy, retired and fit. Nick

I think you would like a specialized crosstrail more than a 7000 series. Those are more comfort bikes, very upright riding position. My sirrus is as upright as I can really stand, but a road bike is far too bent over at the same time.

Test ride some bikes first. Then you will know if they are what your looking for, or not.

We would like to know what kind of lightings you have,plssss.